PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has ordered a crackdown on former civil servants who continue to receive salaries despite no longer working for the government. This directive comes amid revelations that some ex-employees, now residing and employed abroad, are still being paid by their previous government employers.
Last week, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of addressing this issue, stating, ‘The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected.’ He also stressed the need for a thorough investigation to identify those who facilitated this fraud, indicating that supervisors and department heads who allowed such practices to persist would face punishment.
One such case involves Sabitu Adams, whose name has been changed to protect his identity. Adams left his junior official position at a Nigerian government agency two years ago and now works as a taxi driver in the UK. Despite his relocation, he continues to receive his monthly Nigerian salary of 150,000 naira ($100). Adams expressed little concern over President Tinubu’s directive, considering his higher earnings in the UK and viewing the president’s comments as an empty threat.
Adams revealed that he left his position without formally resigning, hoping to keep the door open for a possible return. His situation is not unique, as over 3.6 million Nigerians have emigrated in the past two years, driven by economic challenges and the declining value of the naira.
This widespread emigration has given rise to the term ‘japa,’ a Yoruba word meaning to escape or flee, reflecting the aspirations of many young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
President Tinubu acknowledged the extent of the problem, noting he was ‘struck by the revelations the head of the civil service shared regarding employees who had relocated abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning.’ He called for the repayment of fraudulently obtained funds and the investigation of those who enabled the fraud.
Adams admitted that his continued salary payments were facilitated by an understanding with his supervisor, a relative. This arrangement allowed him to leave without formal resignation, highlighting the ease with which such fraud can occur in the absence of stringent checks and balances.
Ghost-working, where non-existent employees are paid salaries, remains a significant issue in Nigeria. Despite several crackdowns, thousands of such cases persist. Auwal Yakasai, a retired finance director from Kano state’s information ministry, confirmed the prevalence of these fraudulent arrangements, although he had not personally caught anyone in the act.
Since taking office in May last year, President Tinubu has vowed to reduce government expenditure and eliminate waste. In January, he ordered a 60 percent reduction in official entourages for state and international events. However, critics argue that his administration has yet to back its rhetoric with substantial action, citing plans to purchase expensive new planes and build a costly official residence for the Vice-President as examples of continued extravagance.
While President Tinubu has highlighted the issue of foreign-based ghost workers, specifics on the measures to be implemented remain unclear. The call for accountability and reform within the civil service is a step forward, but the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on their execution and enforcement.
